Goat farming in Kenya is increasingly becoming viable and profitable given the rising demand for goat and goat products including meat, milk, manure, and hides.
Goat milk is considered one of the most expensive goat products and farmers who are dealing with its production have reported immense success.
There are various goat breeds in Kenya including the Toggenburg, Saanen and Alpine among others. The Alpine goats are considered one of the best breed to keep as they can thrive and perform reasonably well under low-input farmers’ conditions.
Additionally, the goats are able to adapt, grow well, and produce high quantity of milk when fed locally available feeds with milk yields averaging 922.5 kg per lactation or 4.5kg per day,
This article provides guidance on how to maximize milk production in Alpine dairy goats as explained by farming expert imaDe FArMs.
NUTRITION:
BALANCED DIET: Ensure a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins. High-quality forage like alfalfa or clover, along with grains such as corn or barley, can boost milk yield.
FRESH WATER: Provide clean and fresh water at all times to maintain hydration levels and support milk production.
SUPPLEMENTS: Consider adding mineral supplements and vitamins to the diet to meet the goats’ nutritional needs.
- BREEDING:
SELECT HIGH-PRODUCING BREEDS: Alpine goats are known for their high milk production. Ensure you select the best breeding stock to maintain and improve milk yield.
PROPER BREEDING PRACTICES: Breed does at the appropriate age (around 7-10 months) and ensure they are in good health to maximize fertility and milk production.
Goat farming in Kenya: start and make money today
- MILKING PRACTICES:
CONSISTENT MILKING SCHEDULE: Stick to a regular milking schedule to maintain milk production levels.
HYGIENE: Maintain cleanliness during milking to prevent contamination and ensure high-quality milk.
- DISEASE CONTROL:
BIOSECURITY:
ISOLATION: Isolate new animals for at least 30 days before introducing them to the herd to prevent the spread of diseases.
QUARANTINE: Quarantine new additions and inspect them for any signs of illness.
CLEAN ENVIRONMENT: Keep the living area clean and regularly disinfect equipment and feeding areas.
VACCINATION AND DEWORMING:
VACCINATION: Follow a vaccination schedule to protect goats from common diseases.
DEWORMING: Regularly deworm goats to control internal parasites. Use different classes of dewormers to avoid resistance.
HEALTH MONITORING:
REGULAR CHECK-UPS: Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor the health of the goats.
EARLY DETECTION: Be vigilant for signs of illness and address any issues promptly to prevent the spread of disease.
PARASITE CONTROL:
PASTURE MANAGEMENT: Rotate pastures and avoid overstocking to reduce the risk of parasitic infections.
FECAL EGG COUNT: Conduct regular fecal egg counts to monitor parasite burdens and adjust deworming practices accordingly!
